Sean Johnson
Before her passing I got to interview this amazing artist and it wouldn’t be right not to start off Black History without showcasing a personal history maker to me and thousands of others. She was a writer, poet, actor and most of all a activist for human rights.
How would you say this book is different from your past creations?
Sean: It’s my first full length book of poetry and it’s definitely more raw than my previous work. Not to mention, I move away from the lovey dovey 2 Die 4 and into the more grown up and aware Sean Johnson.
What was the inspiration behind this book?
Sean: All My Heroes Were Assassinated was inspired by my experiences of Blackness and Racism in American as a grown up. It’s sort of a coming of age story told through poetry.
How has this Pandemic changed your life?
Sean: It didn’t change it much as I continued to work and create. I think the biggest change probably came with starting a career in health care for the first time and then being hit by a pandemic two months in. I have definitely watched a lot of people die and I think I understand now more than ever that your gifts must be used wherever you are in whatever capacity as long as God allows breath in your lungs.
What made you start the homeless project?
Sean: My nephew, at the age of 12, said, “This is a problem and we should help.” It started more so as a way to help him serve and then it became my passion.
How long has the project been running?
Sean: Whew! I have lost track. It started over a decade with 5 people in my living room making 25 bags a month and is now MUCH bigger! We partner with 3 churches and 5 organizations throughout the city. I hope to see it grow even more!
Explain your travels to Africa?
Sean: Mission work. Mission work! Mission Work! My favorite thing!
Your stage name is 2die4 but your name in your books is different…why?
Sean: I actually don’t go by 2 Die 4 anymore even though I don’t mind that people call me that. Sean Johnson encompasses all my gifts. I am more than a poet.
What inspires your writing? Sean People. Stories. Points of view.
When did you start painting? Sean In Undergrad but only because I needed art credits.
How did it feel when you sold your first piece of art?
Sean: I thought it was a fluke to be honest. LOL. Like I could not believe someone wanted to BUY some random art I had made.
What is it like to have a partner in crime when you’re taking this journey in the arts with a close friend?
Sean: It can be very fun and sometimes very stressful. We get on one another’s nerves. LOL
What’s your dream project?
Sean I don’t really have a dream project per say. I mostly dream of using my gifts in service to the Kingdom.
Sean JohnsonArtistAll My Heroes Were Assassinated
HPS Magazine 